Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops Walter Clayton Jr., had 30 in the win over Texas Tech, 32 tonight. He’s the first player since Larry Bird to go for 30-plus in the Elite Eight and Final Four since Larry Bird in 1979
Walter Clayton Jr. is the first player with 30-plus points in both the Elite Eight and national semifinals in a single NCAA tournament since Larry Bird in 1979. -- ESPN Research
Really hard to argue against Clayton. He has been at his best in the absolute biggest games at the biggest moment. Never seen anyone like this at Florida.
Neal Walk keeps being the one name that “wise Gators” say is the greatest Gator player ever, citing some of his admittedly impressive stats “that came before the 3-Pt shot” . I would counter that Walter has equally impressive stats and that he made his shots against superior competition and with much, much more on the line. Win or lose vs. Houston, I’ve never seen better than Walt.
So here's the thing for me, I didn't know who he really was until this year. Feel like we were robbed of a full career like with the 04s. 2 years just doesn't seem long enough but I read his story this morning. Amazing story really, I was hoping GC could post it sometime. He wasn't always going to play basketball. He was offered in football, was supposed to be a 4 or 5 star player. But he wanted to play basketball and in high school was a zero star player. He transferred from Lake City to Bartow just to get the experience which from what I hear is the equivalent of transferring from Florida to FSU. Still, he didn't get many offers, none from Florida or FSU. Mike White glossed over him and so an assistant from Iona saw his play at a workout and passed it to Rick Pitino. Pitino at first said he was fat, slow, and can't shoot, but he did say he passed the ball very well, so he offered him and the rest is history.
Clayton made himself a ton of money this tournament. So glad it worked out for him and the Gators coming back this year. What an incredible tournament, have to really appreciate it, doesn’t happen very often and I’d hate to take it for granted. Also in an era of NIL and the portal and a lot of disparaging of players this team is refreshing. Might be Orange and blue glasses but they seem like such a great group ok kids, who just are really enjoying playing with each other. Incredibly refreshing.
